Funding outcome

Helping Children with Movement Disabilities Control Wheelchairs Using Their Thoughts Many children with severe physical disabilities can think and learn well but have trouble using current power wheelchair technology, which require physical control through joysticks or switches. Our research aims to develop a special wheelchair that children can control using only their thoughts. This technology, called a brain-computer interface (BCI), reads brain signals and turns them into commands that move the wheelchair. We use a headset that reads brain signals. A computer then understands these signals to help move the wheelchair. For example, if a child thinks about moving forward, the headset picks up these signals, and the wheelchair moves forward, avoiding obstacles. Current BCI wheelchairs are designed for adults and don't work well for children. Children's brains work differently, they may have trouble focusing during setup, and they might find current systems confusing or boring. Our project will create a child-friendly BCI wheelchair by: 1. Developing a system that needs less setup time and works with weaker brain signals 2. Creating fun, game-like controls that keep children engaged 3. Making the wheelchair partially self-driving to help avoid obstacles 4. Testing different control methods to find what works best for each child This research could dramatically improve independence and quality of life for children with severe mobility disabilities. A child who cannot speak or move their arms could use this wheelchair to explore their environment on their own, advancing their independence and opening up new possibilities for learning and social interaction.